Mum sparks debate for charging £6 per head for her kids' birthday party

A single mother who is charging £6 per head for children to attend her kids' birthday party appeared on This Morning to defend her decision – and quickly sparked a debate on social media.

Ruma, a 29-year-old mum of twins, claims she has 'changed the dynamics' of children's parties by asking fellow parents not to bring a gift for her five-year-old boys, Shiyan and Kiyan.

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Instead, she is asking them to pay £6 towards the £11 cost of a ticket for their child to attend the soft play centre where she will host the party for her sons, who have special needs. All of the guests will also receive a goody bag, worth at least £5.

Chatting to hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on Friday (2 February), the university student explained that her decision had sparked some controversy at her children's primary school, with one fellow parent anonymously criticising her on Facebook for charging guests.

Ruma is organising a birthday party for her 5-year-old twins, and asking parents to pay for their child to attend. Would you consider doing this? pic.twitter.com/NW4CbA4Nqb

But, defending her position, the young mum said: 'I spoke to the parents and said I'm organising this party. I want to invite every child in the class – 60 children – they're in different classes.'

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She continued: 'It's not that I can't afford it, I can. The parents said if you don't want presents please let us contribute. I said that's alright, contribute half.'

Ruma argued that her solution made more sense than having guests' parents fork out for presents that her children don't actually want or need.

And it seems like most of the parents she spoke to agreed with her...

'Out of the 60 it was one person, an anonymous person, who had a problem and had this rant on social media.'

She continued: 'It's my way of doing it. It's a different way. I'm teaching my children they should contribute and not expect other people to pay for things.'

It's a different way. I'm teaching my children they should contribute and not expect other people to pay for things

However, journalist Liat Hughes Joshi appeared on the show to argue that Ruma's request was unfair as other parents had already paid for their own children's parties.

She added: 'It is massively excessive… You don't have to invite the whole class.'

On social media, meanwhile, Ruma's idea sparked a mixed response...

'No way would I expect another parent to pay for their child to attend my child's party,' wrote one parent, while another added: 'Outrageous and frankly appalling . If you have a child's party you pay for that choice!'

However, many thought that Ruma had a point...

'Under the circumstances, this is a great idea,' said one. 'Her special needs twins get to have a party with all their friends and parents don't have to go out and buy a gift that will never be used!'

Another added: 'When you hear the full story it makes total sense!'

What do you think? Do you agree with Ruma's policy and would you be happy to pay if you were a parent at the school? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.